Albert Barnes Commentary Jeremiah 50:33

"Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: The children of Israel and the children of Judah are oppressed together; and all that took them captive hold them fast; they refuse to let them go." — Jeremiah 50:33 (ASV)

Were oppressed—are oppressed together: and all their captors have laid firm hold upon them: they have refused to let them go. The restoration of Israel and Judah to their land is necessary. As Babylon will not let them go, it must be broken, and its empire destroyed.